Reviews, Writing Tips, and Commentary

Novel Review | Steve the Penguin by Mahlena Rae Johnson

Yesterday I was lucky enough to get my hands on a copy of a funny new novel entitled Steve the Penguinby Mahlena-Rae Johnson. I related to the book so well and found it so interesting that I did something that I haven’t done in quite a while; I finished the 189-page book in less than 24 hours! The heroine of Steve the Penguin is the likable, yet sarcastic 27-year-old single gal Bianca. Johnson manages to balance light-hearted comedy, romance, and social commentary in a refreshingly interesting way. Bianca’s thoughts on ethnicity, love, work, and sex mirror many of the things that people want to say, but, like Bianca, don’t always say aloud. Bianca is socially conscious yet socially insecure, full of ambition but at times full of self-doubt, and just like every other single twenty-something woman waiting for her Steve the Penguin to come along.

The main character, Bianca, travels back home to St. Thomas from LA for her high school reunion, where she meets up with old acquaintance, relieves the past, and asks herself what the 17-year old Bianca would think about the now 27-year old Bianca.

Steve the Penguin is definitely a witty, charming, must-read. I recommend this book to anyone out there searching for Mr. or Mrs. Right, or anyone who has enjoyed The Devil Wears Prada, Sex in the City reruns, Girlfriends, pop culture or “pop politics” in general, and anyone out there who has ever “dreaded their high school reunion.”

An added feature to this book is the you get to stay connected to the main character, Bianca, through her blog.For more information on this great new novel or to purchase a copy, visit www.stevethepenguin.com.

One thought on “Novel Review | Steve the Penguin by Mahlena Rae Johnson”

Thank you so much! I just found this in my Google Alerts today, or else I would have commented sooner.

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